Given the subshells 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p and 3d, identify those that meet the following descriptions. (a) Has l = 2

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand that in quantum mechanics, the quantum number 'l' represents the angular momentum of an electron in an atom. This quantum number also determines the shape of the orbital where the electron is likely to be found.

Step 2: The value of 'l' can range from 0 to (n-1), where 'n' is the principal quantum number. The values of 'l' are often represented by letters: l=0 is 's', l=1 is 'p', l=2 is 'd', and l=3 is 'f'.

Step 3: In this problem, we are asked to identify the subshells that have l=2. From the information in step 2, we know that l=2 corresponds to 'd' orbitals.

Step 4: Looking at the given subshells, we can see that the only subshell that meets the description of having l=2 is the 3d subshell.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.

Video duration:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Quantum Numbers

Quantum numbers are a set of numerical values that describe the unique quantum state of an electron in an atom. The principal quantum number (n) indicates the energy level, while the azimuthal quantum number (l) defines the shape of the orbital. Each subshell corresponds to a specific value of l, which can range from 0 to n-1.

Subshells and Orbital Shapes

Subshells are divisions of electron shells that contain orbitals of the same energy level. Each subshell is characterized by a specific l value: s (l=0), p (l=1), d (l=2), and f (l=3). The shape of the orbitals varies with l, where d orbitals (l=2) have a more complex shape compared to s and p orbitals.

Identification of Subshells

To identify subshells based on their angular momentum quantum number (l), one must match the l value to the corresponding subshell type. For instance, a subshell with l=2 corresponds to the d subshell. In the given question, the only subshell that meets the criterion of l=2 is the 3d subshell.

Recommended video:

Guided course

01:02

Angular Momentum Quantum Number and Subshell

Related Practice

Textbook Question

Given the subshells 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p and 3d, identify those that meet the following descriptions. (f) Can contain two electrons, both with spin m_s = +1/2

Textbook Question

Given the subshells 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p and 3d, identify those that meet the following descriptions. (e) Contains the outermost electrons in a beryllium atom

Textbook Question

Write the symbol, give the ground-state electron configuration, and draw an orbital-filling diagram for each of the following atoms. Use the abbreviation of the preceding noble gas to represent the inner-shell electrons. (a) The heaviest alkaline earth metal

Textbook Question

Given the subshells 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p and 3d, identify those that meet the following descriptions. (b) Can have m_l = -1

Textbook Question